2019 Top Prospect Games: Pitcher Analysis

August 30, 2016

By Drew Locascio
Illinois Scouting Director

The 2019 Top Prospect Games featured some of the top 2019 graduates in the states of Illinois and Wisconsin. Historically this event has served as an unveiling of sorts for the next in line high follow prospects.

Today we look at the top pitchers from the event. The PBR Scouting Staff got together and ranked the top 10 standouts from the day. Many of the names listed below are sure to make a splash in the upcoming 2019 Illinois rankings update.

RHP Quinn Priester solidified himself as one of the top 2019 arms in the PBR coverage area after his performance. The 6-foot-3, 175-pound, Priester, has polish beyond his years, a lightning-quick arm, a legitimate three-pitch mix and a fastball that sat comfortably at 87-89 mph.

RHP Zachary Lee a relatively unknown prospect previously, made the 2019 Top Prospect Games his coming out party. Lee has a loose, live arm and throws from a ¾ slot, resulting in an 85-87 mph fastball that jumps on hitters with late life. Lee also flashed the makings of a plus breaking ball.

Top Pitching Prospects

1. Quinn Priester, RHP, Cary Grove, 2019
6-foot-3, 175-pound right-handed pitcher with a highly athletic frame. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose, lightning quick arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with smooth rhythm. Fastball flashed hard running action at 87-89 mph for strikes. Showed feel for his curveball. Curveball has 11-5 shape with sharp breaking action while maintaining fastball arm speed at 73-74 mph. One of the top arms in the 2019 Class.

2. Zachary Lee, RHP, Effingham, 2019
6-foot-4, 185-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a ¾ arm angle with a loose, live arm action. Low effort tall and fall, online delivery. Smooth rhythm with an open toed landing and upright finish. Fastball showed running action at 85-87 topping out at 88 mph. Curveball is firm at 71-75 mph with 11-5 shape and tight rotation. Sharp, late breaking action, will occasionally hang it, but flashes plus. Changeup sat 79 mph.

3. Nathan Rintz, RHP, Schaumburg, 2019
6-foot, 155-pound right-handed pitcher with a lanky, projectable frame. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a loose, quick arm action. Drop and drive, online delivery with smooth rhythm. Fastball gets downhill tilt sitting 84-86 mph. Will elevate it with two strikes to get strikeouts. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 73-76 mph with short breaking action, flashes plus occasionally. Changeup has downer action at 76-79 mph. Struck out four of the eight hitters he faced. One of the top arms in the Illinois 2019 Class.

4. Ryan Keeley, RHP, Wheaton Warrenville South, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound right-handed pitcher with an athletic frame. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a loose, quick arm action. Tall and fall delivery, coils at balance point. Works in line with home plate, square landing. Will change arm angle sometimes. Fastball has heavy sinking action at 83-85 topping out at 86 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with gradual action at 68-71 mph. Changeup sat 75-77 mph. Also featured a slider at 72 mph.

5. Ben Wiegman, RHP, Carmel Catholic (IL), 2020
Louisville commit. 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-handed pitcher, large body type for his age. Delivery worked exclusively from the stretch, tall and fall type, front side stays closed. Arm action is quick and strong, high ¾ slot, shorter action. Plus fastball for his age, played at 83-85 mph, mostly straight, lacked command in this outing, lively through the hitting zone. Changeup is 72-73 mph, flashed slight cut action. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, leg kick trigger. Has bat strength for age, balance in the box can improve, occasional hard contact to pull side. 88 mph exit velocity from the tee.

6. Grant Leader, RHP/C, Lyons Township (IL), 2019
5-foot-9, 145-pound two-way player, slight lean frame. Projects best on the mound, advanced arm strength for his age, high ¾ slot, short quick arm action. Fastball sat 84-86 mph in the first, 80-83 mph in the second, slight arm side run. Curveball has 11/5 shape, gradual action, 67-70 mph. Slider has 10/4 shape, tighter action 70-74 mph. Changeup has fading action 70 mph. Right-handed hitter, slightly open stance, arm bar load. Long level path, linear approach, simple flat swing producing line drives. 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively arm action plays short from a high ¾ slot out of the crouch, 78 mph. Pop times ranged 2.04-2.15.

7. Michael Walsh, RHP/OF, Lyons Township, 2019
6-foot, 137-pound right-handed pitcher with a lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing and athletic finish. Slow paced delivery with good balance. 4-pitch mix, with feel for four. Fastball showed slight running action at 80-82 topping out at 83 mph for strikes. Curveball has 11-5 shape with sharp breaking action at 69-71 mph. Slider has more lateral action than curveball at 69-70 mph. Curveball has swing and miss ability in games Fastball arm speed on changeup at 76-77 mph. Worked out in the outfield as well. Arm plays in the outfield as well throwing 82 mph with a loose arm action. At the plate hits from a wide base with a toe tap stride and collapse on the backside. Uphill swing path. 80 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.72 runner down the line.

8. Nathan Diamond, LHP, Oak Park-River Forest, 2019
6-foot-3, 190-pound, lanky, left-handed pitcher. Works from a ¾ arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with a full windup. Some rhythm with a square landing. Tough on left-handed hitters. Fastball showed slight running action at 78-81 topping out at 82 mph. Throws a slider and Curveball. Slider has short breaking action at 67-78 mph. Curveball shows occasional sweeping action at 64-65 mph. Struck out three in two innings of work.

9. Jacob Rosenkranz, RHP/1B, Stevenson (IL), 2019
6-foot-2, 150-pound right-handed pitcher, long thin projectable frame. Projects best on the mound, works from a full windup, tall and fall down the hill, works on line. Arm action is clean and highly projectable, long and loose, high ¾ slot, regular effort. Fastball runs to arm side with late action, ranged 78-82 mph, topped at 83 mph. Throws changeup with arm speed, fades to arm side, 71-75 mph. Left-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride. Long path on slight uphill plane. 83 mph exit velocity from the tee. Ran a 5.08 down the line. Average actions around the bag, arm really works across, 77 mph.

10. Justin Divelbiss, RHP, Plainfield Central, 2019
5-foot-10, 135-pound right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, loose arm action. Tall and fall online delivery with regular effort. Square landing with some rhythm. Slide step from stretch. Fastball sat 80-81 topping out at 82 mph for strikes. Curveball has 11-5 shape with sharp breaking action. Throw aggressively at 71-74 mph. Also featured a knuckleball at 63 mph.

Best of the Rest (Alphabetical Order)

Tyler Brandenburg, CIF/RHP, Lake Country Lutheran (WI), 2019
Large framed corner infield prospect, 6-foot-2, 202-pounds, solid thick build. Right-handed hitter, short stride, athletic setup. Showed bat strength, fast bat, slight uphill plane, hard lifted contact, pull side power approach. 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Hit a double in game play. 4.88 runner down the line. Defensively showed hands and mobility to stick at third base. Arm carries across at 81 mph, showed body control on the slow roller. On the mound fastball touched 80 mph, sat 77-79 mph with slight arm side run. Breaking ball has 11/5 shape, gradual short action, 70-72. Flashed changeup at 74 mph.

Hayden Brotz, 1B/RHP, Stevenson (IL), 2019
6-foot-1, 205-pound two-way player, strong build for his age, sturdy lower half. Right-handed hitter, balanced stance, short stride, athletic setup, solid balance. Aggressive swing, flashed pop, above average bat speed for his age, 91 mph exit velocity from the tee. Defensively showed well above average actions around the bag, hands work. Arm action is loose from a high ¾ slot, 75 mph across the diamond. On the mound worked online with good direction. Fastball played at 78-80 mph, showed feel for the strike zone. Curveball is 65-67 mph on 11/5 plane, showed feel. Flashed a knuckleball a 63-65 mph.

Connor Dressler, RHP, Hinsdale Central, 2019
6-foot-4, 205-pound right-handed pitcher with a prototypical pitchers build. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, quick arm action. Draws elbow high out of the glove. Tall and fall, online delivery with a square landing. Fastball has slight running action at 79-82 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with short breaking action at 67-70 mph. Changeup sat 69-71 mph. Throws a splitter with downer action at 73-74 mph.

Griffin Holderfield, CIF/RHP, Oak Park-River Forest (IL), 2019
Large frame, 6-foot-2, 220-pound left-handed hitting two-way player. Hits out of a tall setup, lifted stride. Lower half collapses, pull side elevated contact with power, bat strength present, 86 mph exit velocity from the tee. Middle of the lineup type bat with pop to pull side. Defensively showed arm strength across the diamond, 81 mph, carries from a high ¾ slot. Hands played, average range, corner infield defender. On the mound arm plays from a high ¾ slot. Fastball runs, occasionally heavy, 78-81 mph. Breaking ball is 66-67, short gradual action, 11/5 type.

Edward Kerner, RHP, Elmwood Park, 2019
6-foot-2, 215-pound right-handed pitcher. Works from an over the top arm angle with a long arm action. Works exclusively out of the stretch. Tall and fall delivery with a square landing. Works downhill with his fastball at 77-78 topping out at 79 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape with depth at 61-64 mph.

Eric Lundell, RHP, Marmion, 2019
6-foot, 155-pound right-handed pitcher with a thin, lanky frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with along, loose arm action. Tall and fall, online delivery with easy effort. Square landing with an athletic finish. Slight pause at balance point before going to the plate. Fastball showed slight running action at 78-80 topping out at 82 mph. Curveball has 12-6 shape at 68-70 mph. Changeup has splitter type action at 75 mph. Also features a slider, short breaking action like a cutter at 72 mph. Struggled with command in outing.

Coby Moe, RHP, Grayslake Central, 2019
6-foot-3, 160-pound right-handed pitcher with an athletic frame. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a short, loose arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing and short stride. Smooth rhythm with good balance throughout. Fastball has slight running action at 78-80 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with gradual action at 65-69 mph. Maintains arm speed on changeup at 68-71 mph.

Elijah Paplanus, RHP, Huntley, 2019
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Works exclusively from the stretch. Tall and fall, slow paced delivery with a closed landing. Fastball showed slight running action at 77-79 topping out at 80 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with some depth at 65 mph. Maintains arm speed on changeup that showed running action down in the zone at 72-74 mph.

Carter Robinson, RHP/OF/SS, Appleton North (WI), 2019
6-foot, 175-pound right-handed hitting utility player. On the mound works from an over the top arm angle with a short arm action. Tall and fall delivery with some rhythm. Works in line with home plate with a closed landing. Fastball was straight at 78-79 topping out at 81 mph for strikes. Curveball has 11-5 shape with depth at 67-69 mph for strikes. Changeup flashed some fading action at 67-70 mph. at the plate hits from a slight closed stance with a short leg kick stride. Opposite field hitter with an uphill swing path. Showed strength thru contact with 87 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.61 runner down the line. Went 3-6 with an RBI in games. Defensively in the outfield has short arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork. Threw 78 mph from the outfield. Also took drills in the infield throwing 73 mph across the diamond.

Dylan Szajkovics, RHP, Plainfield North, 2019
5-foot-11, 150-pound right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing and some rhythm. Fastball was straight at 75-78 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with minimal depth at 62-65 mph for strikes. Fastball arm sped on changeup, thrown down in the zone at 67-70 mph.

Trent Turzenski, RHP, Burlington (WI), 2019
Strong, wide shouldered frame at 6-foot-3, 180-pounds, right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle. Short arm action with a stab on the backside, still manages to get out front with it. Tall and fall delivery, occasionally lands slightly closed. Fastball is heavy with sinking action at 78-80 mph down in the zone. Curveball is effective with 10-4 shape at 66 mph, will throw it in any count. Induced a lot of groundouts in game.

Alex Vera. LHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019
5-foot-10, 150-pound left-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, clean arm action. Drop and drive delivery working in line with home plate. Falls off to third base side after release. Fastball sat 76-78 mph will miss up, arm side. Slider has 2-8 shape at 69-71 mph for strikes. Changeup has cutting action at 73 mph.

Mitchel Woelfle, RHP, Janesville Craig (WI), 2019
6-foot, 185-pound right-handed pitcher. Works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long, quick arm action and wrap on the backside. Tall and fall delivery with a short stride and closed landing. Some effort in delivery. Gets downhill with his pitches. Fastball showed slight running action at 78-80 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with gradual action at 64-65 mph. Changeup is straight at 69-70 mph.

Gregory Ziegler, OF/RHP, Joliet Catholic, 2019
5-foot-11, 160-pound right-handed hitting OF/RHP. Defensively has a long arm action from a high ¾ arm slot. Accurate throws showed carry throwing 82 mph from the outfield. Plays thru the ball with fluid footwork and a clean exchange. At the plate hits from a tall, balanced setup with a long stride and good balance. Pull hitter with an uphill path and extension thru contact. 76 mph exit velocity from a tee. 4.36 runner down the line. On the mound works from a high ¾ arm angle with a long arm action and regular effort. Drop and drive delivery with some rhythm. Fastball showed slight running action at 78-79 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape with short breaking action at 71-72 mph for strikes. Changeup sat 71-73 mph.

Davis Zeutzius, RHP, Arrowhead (WI), 2019
5-foot-11, 175-pound right-handed pitcher. Works form a high ¾ arm angle with a short, funky arm action. Tall and fall delivery with a closed landing, back leg doesn’t always get through. Fastball has slight running action at 76-80 topping out at 81 mph. Curveball has 11-5 shape at 62-64 mph thrown across his body.